How to Renew Your California Driver's License

California offers three ways to renew your driver's license, and which one you use depends on your age, when your license expires, and whether you need to change information

You can renew online through the California DMV website if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 70, and you have not renewed online in the past eight years. You can also renew by mail by sending your renewal notice and payment to the DMV, though this takes longer. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, or if you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a DMV field office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need for online renewal. If you have not received a notice and your license is about to expire, you can still renew — you just need to know your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license, with no appointment needed.
Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice and a check or money order to the DMV address on the notice, and typically takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV field office is required if your license is expired, you are over 70, you need to change your address or name, or you have not renewed online in eight years.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal, and you can use your renewal confirmation as proof of a valid license until it arrives.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew — you must take the written test and driving test again as if explore for a new license.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the California DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License or ID Card," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and renewal code from your notice. You will answer questions about whether your information has changed and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. The DMV will ask you to confirm your address and take a new photo using your computer or phone camera.

The fee is $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license, paid by debit card or credit card. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can print your confirmation page and use it as proof of a valid license until your new card arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you are 71 or older, if you have renewed online within the past eight years, or if you need to change your name or address. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a medical certificate restriction.

Mail renewal by sending your notice to the DMV

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change any information. Your renewal notice includes a return envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for $39 (four-year) or $69 (eight-year) and mail it with your notice to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after that. There is no confirmation number or proof of renewal sent to you, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew online or in person instead. Mail renewal is slower but requires no appointment and no visit to a DMV office.

In-person renewal at a DMV field office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you are over 70, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have not renewed online in eight years. Bring your current license (or expired license if current one is not available), proof of your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the past 60 days), and payment. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Make an appointment through the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices but wait times are often longer. Bring your renewal notice if you have it. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You pay $39 or $69 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must instead explore for a new license, which means taking the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test again. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices; the driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner.

You can schedule both tests through the DMV website or by phone. The written test can be taken at any DMV office and takes about 20 minutes. The driving test must be scheduled separately and takes about 30 minutes. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. Fees for a new license are the same as renewal ($39 for four years or $69 for eight years), but you also pay a test fee.

Fees and payment methods

California driver's license renewal costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. These are the only two options; you cannot choose a different term. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you renew online or in person, you pay when ready. If you renew by mail, your check or money order must be included with your renewal notice. The DMV does not accept payment over the phone for renewals.

Your new license and temporary proof

After you renew online or in person, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, add two to three weeks for DMV processing before the mailing begins. During this wait, you can drive using your old license if it is not expired, or using your temporary paper license if you renewed in person.

If you renewed online, print your confirmation page — it serves as proof of a valid license and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped. If you renewed in person, the DMV gives you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. If you renewed by mail, you have no temporary proof, so you should continue using your old license if it is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. Your California driver's license is tied to a California address. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your California license and obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in California but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the DMV to update your address before renewing.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For online renewal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of address. You do not need the notice itself.

Can I renew early, before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your license expires. Online renewal is available during this window. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old license was set to expire.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. It is only given during in-person renewal. If your new license has not arrived within 60 days, contact the DMV to report it missing and request a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.